February 1989

I don’t suppose it will be too long before we are saying that it will soon be Christmas. Time really does fly when you are having fun though doesn’t it? Which brings me to a topic I want to talk about this month which might be in keeping with a New Years Resolution.

We who are members of Amateur Theatre groups are mostly in them for the enjoyment we get out of it. We have desires for achievements of course. We wish to perform, act, direct or mount a play or show to the absolute best of our ability. We get an absolute ego trip out of a job well done and that wonderful buzz out of an appreciative audience.

It’s not all of us though who have outstanding abilities, it’s not all of us that can step into a role or job and do everything the way it should be done yet, those of us who cannot do these things really well are just as much in it for the enjoyment as those who can. And, those same people who cannot, will never be able to if we don’t give them the opportunities and the encouragement to gain the necessary experience.

One often becomes aware of situations where budding amateur actors are continually kept behind the scenes, or only offered walk on parts, and all in the quest for perfection. Yet we really are there just for a our enjoyment, it is only a hobby after all, and the poor old ‘not so good’ is really just as entitled to his or her enjoyment too. Sure, those who are better are made to work harder to carry off the situation where there is a weaker cast member, but what’s wrong with that? It’s a greater challenge and even bigger ego trip if you think about it.

So, what about a resolution for 1989? What about making it a special year for encouraging and fostering those a little less capable and giving some vent to their enthusiasm. Let’s get some of these guys and gals up there and giving their eyes a bit of the sparkle that we enjoy so much.

Finally, may I wish all readers a very happy, prosperous and successful 1989 and I hope to meet a few of you at our Annual General Meeting this month.